Classic Burgundy & Loire Valley "Family" Cruise - Chatillon Sur Loire to Montargis

Sunday, Day 1 - Briare
Guests are met at the designated meeting point and transferred to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne Welcome awaits you. We cruise to Briare crossing of Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire, an amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal, which was completed in September 1896. Time for a walk or cycle ride before your first dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Briare to La Gazonne
Morning cruise across the River Loire on Eiffel’s Aqueduct to Briare. Before lunch, time to wander around fruit and vegetable, seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market in Briare. Afternoon visit to Guedelon Castle in Treigny located deep in secluded woodland, an abandoned quarry reveals a landscape, seemingly untouched since the dawn of the last millennium. Out of this wood and stone, using 13th century building techniques, a castle is being created. Evening cruise across the River Loire on Eiffel’s aqueduct. Dinner on board.

Tuesday, Day 3 - La Gazonne to Rogny les Sept Ecluses
This morning we visit Gien, home of the Faience pottery and hunting museums and Chateau de Gien. Another option is kayaking near Chatillon. Afternoon cruise to the village of La Gazonne. Dinner on board.

Wednesday, Day 4 - Rogny les Sept Ecluses to Chatillon Coligny
This morning we visit Chateau Sully sur Loire. The castle originally belonged to Georges de la Trémoïlle, who infuriated Joan of Arc by encouraging the Dauphin to devote himself to idle hunting in the forests around Sully. After Joan's failure to liberate Paris 1430, de la Trémoïlle virtually imprisoned her in the castle. In the 18thC Voltaire, exiled from Paris, also spent time at the Château. Afternoon cruise to the historical town of Rogny. Another option today for lake swimming. Dinner ashore at Michelin starred Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards.

Thursday, Day 5 - Chatillon Coligny to Montbouy
We leave Rogny this morning for a gentle cruise to Montbouy. Today’s excursion is to Chateau-Landon. With a history going back 20,000 years to the first evidence of primitive habitation, this seldom visited, mainly medieval town was captured by Caesar in 52 BC. We have a private guided walking tour and see the 11th century Saint Severin Abbey, as well as enjoy a tasting of Loire wines. (If you prefer to replace Chateau Landon we can visit Parc Animalier de L’Emprunt, a children’s animal farm in Souppes-sur-Loing, or karting at Planete Karting in Pannes (payment for karting is made by customer directly to karting on the day). If you prefer this afternoon to trek around the local country-side on horseback with experienced guides, visit the super stables where palomino horses are raised and given a maximum of freedom. (payment should be made by clients directly to stables on the day).Dinner on board.

Friday, Day 6 - Montbouy to Montargis
We enjoy a morning cruise through Little Venice, past flower-bedecked bridges and medieval watercourses joining France’s oldest canal. The cruise takes us through the Loiret countryside with towpath cycling to Montargis. After lunch we visit The Château de Fontainebleau, a residence of Napoleon 1st, from where he abdicated his reign in 1814, also boasts the finest example in France of Renaissance interior design and magnificent gardens. A tour will also be taken in a horse drawn carriage. On the way back to the barge we can stop at Souppes-sur-Loing and if the weather is fine there is time for a swim in the beautiful beach lake or tennis. Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board.

Saturday, Day 7 - Montargis
After breakfast we return you to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.
 

Classic Burgundy & Loire Valley "Golf" Cruise - Montargis to Chatillon Sur Loire

Sunday, Day 1 - Montargis
Guests are met at designated meeting point and transferred to the spacious Renaissance where a Champagne Welcome awaits you. We enjoy an evening cruise through Little Venice, past flower-bedecked bridges and medieval watercourses joining France’s oldest canal, the Briare. Dinner on board.

Monday, Day 2 - Montargis to Montbouy
This morning we cruise through the Loiret countryside with towpath cycling to Montcresson. After an early lunch we transfer to Fontainebleau Golf Club (1h 15 mins drive), regarded by many as the best golf course within the southern Paris region. This all weather course is deep in the private forest of the Fontainebleau estate. Evening cruise to Montbouy. Dinner on board. (18 holes, par 72, 6074m )

Tuesday, Day 3 - Montbouy to Rogny les Sept Ecluses
After breakfast we enjoy a gentle cruise to historic Rogny and its 350 year old floodlit 7 lock-flight. After an early lunch we transfer to Chateau Cely Golf Club. This recently refurbished course is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the foremost courses in the Parisian region. Set in the grounds of a former private Chateau, the course has received great reviews from former Renaissance guests Dinner on board (18 holes, 72 par, 6000m)

Wednesday, Day 4 - Rogny les Sept Ecluses to La Gazonne
After a leisurely breakfast of fresh croissants, baguettes and assorted pastries we visit Saint Fargeau. The Castle of Saint Fargeau is 1000 years old. In 980, Héribert, Auxerre's bishop and biological son of King Hugues Capet, built a fortified hunting meeting place. From 5th to 15th century, the castle was owned by some famous families. In the afternoon we climb the locks to reach the summit of the canal and arrive in La Gazonne. Dinner ashore at Auberge des Templiers in Les Bezards

Thursday, Day 5 - La Gazonne to Briare
Morning cruise to Briare and Gustave Eiffel’s magical aqueduct across the River Loire with walking and biking for those that wish to do so. We preview Friday’s crossing of this amazing 10,000 ton, 662 metre Pont Canal which was completed in September 1896. After lunch we drive for 1 hour for golf at Roncemay Golf & Country Club. This international standard course, designed by Jean GARAIALDE in 1991 has hosted many of France’s famous competitions. Overlooked by the Chateau in whose grounds the course has been developed, the length and technical nature of the course offer a challenge to even the most advanced player. Dinner on board. (18 hole, par 72, 6401m)

Friday, Day 6 - Briare to Chatillon sur Loire
Morning wander around fruit and vegetable, seafood, cheese and French fashion stalls in the market in Briare. After lunch, we drive to Golf du Sanserrois. Located on the banks of the river Loire with Sancerre hills in the background, this course, in the midst of century-old trees, ornamented by natural water hazards is considered as one of the most attractive golf courses in the centre of France. The quality of the greens, the friendly atmosphere and the famous Sancerre vineyard around it: everything invites you to discover this splendid course. Evening cruise across the River Loire on Eiffel’s aqueduct and Captain’s Farewell Dinner on board. (18 hole, par 71, 5820m)

Saturday, Day 7 - Chatillon sur Loire
After breakfast we return you to the designated drop off point.

On alternate weeks the cruise is in the reverse direction.
This is a sample itinerary and is subject to change.